πΎAnimals
Crocodiles Swallow Stones for Digestion and Ballast
Crocodiles intentionally swallow stones (gastroliths) which help grind food in their stomachs and act as ballast to help them stay submerged.
About this fact
Crocodiles often swallow stones, which then reside in their stomachs. These stones, known as gastroliths, serve two main purposes. Firstly, they help grind up food, as crocodiles don't chew their meals but swallow large chunks. The stones in the muscular stomach act like millstones. Secondly, the stones act as ballast, helping the crocodile control its buoyancy and stay submerged in water, which is useful for ambushing prey.